2015-2025 Audi Steering Wheel Visual Damage TSB

What this TSB Addresses

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 48 24 68 2028220/11, issued on July 27, 2024, provides important clarification regarding visual damage to steering wheels across all Audi models from 2015 to 2025. This bulletin aims to inform technicians and owners that certain types of steering wheel damage are not due to manufacturing faults but rather external factors. This TSB supersedes previous versions, including Technical Service Bulletin Group 48 number 23-41 dated June 20, 2023.

This information is particularly relevant for owners experiencing Audi e-tron steering wheel damage or similar issues on other models, as it outlines what is and isn't covered by warranty. The bulletin emphasizes that steering wheel appearance damage due to external impact, such as contact with fingernails, zippers, watches, or rings, is not a warrantable condition.

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to update its content and scope:

• Revision 11 (July 27, 2024): Revised the header to update model and model years, and revised the Technical Background section to include additional images. This is the current version, identified as 48 24 68 2028220/11.
• Revision 10 (June 20, 2023): Revised the header to update model years. This version superseded the previous one, 48 23-41.
• Revision 9 (August 25, 2021): Revised the header to update model years and revised the Technical Background section to add photos.

Symptoms of Steering Wheel Visual Damage

The TSB describes various forms of steering wheel appearance damage that can occur due to external influences. These are not indicative of a manufacturing defect but rather wear and tear or specific external interactions. Examples include:

• Damage from external impact: This can manifest as scuffs, scratches, or indentations caused by contact with items such as fingernails, zippers, watches, or rings. The TSB includes figures (Figures 1-4) illustrating examples of such damage.
• Damage from external influences: This category covers issues like color coming off the steering wheel material, often due to exposure to disinfectants or hand sanitizer. Figures 7-8 show examples where color is peeling.
• Twisted leather: What might appear to be cracks in the leather could actually be twisted leather, which is also attributed to external factors rather than material failure. Figures 9-10 provide visual examples of this condition.
• Paint peeling off trim: Damage to the steering wheel trim, such as paint peeling, is also cited as a form of visual damage not related to manufacturing. Figures 11-12 depict trim with paint peeling off.

These types of Audi e-tron steering wheel damage are illustrated with multiple figures in the TSB, showing clear examples of each condition.

Technical Background

Audi's investigations have consistently shown that the appearance damage to steering wheels, as described in this bulletin, is a direct result of external impact or influences. This includes contact with common items like fingernails, zippers, watches, and rings. The TSB explicitly states that "This type of damage is not warrantable, as numerous investigations have shown that there is no fault in material or workmanship." This clarifies that the issue is not a manufacturing defect but rather an outcome of how the steering wheel is used and interacted with over time.

Important Warranty Information

Owners should be aware of the specific warranty conditions outlined in TSB 48 24 68 2028220/11 regarding steering wheel damage.

• Not Covered by Warranty: "This damage is due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi Warranty." This means that if your steering wheel exhibits the types of damage described in this bulletin, it will not be repaired or replaced under your vehicle's warranty.
• Charge Back Policy: Audi states that "Steering wheels with the above damage which have been replaced, will be charged back." This indicates that if a dealer replaces a steering wheel with this type of damage and attempts to claim it under warranty, the cost will be charged back to the dealership unless specific conditions for a covered fault are met.
• Claim Documentation: For any steering wheel component fault that is covered under warranty, appropriate pictures must be attached to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case with a clear reference to the vehicle. Without the required documentation, the warranty or goodwill claim may be rejected. The relevant service number for such claims is 4810, and the damage code is 0030.

Production Solution and Service

The Technical Service Bulletin explicitly states "Not applicable" for both "Production Solution" and "Service." This indicates that there are no manufacturing changes being implemented to address this type of damage, nor are there specific service procedures or repairs outlined by Audi for these externally induced cosmetic issues.

Additional Information

All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2028220) are subject to change and/or removal. Owners or technicians should always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. It is also recommended to consult the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair.

NHTSA ID: 2028220/11